The Last Stand: Hugh Jackman Reveals Exactly Why He's Leaving X-Men

"Sometimes great possibilities are right in front of us, and we don't see them because we choose not to" - Barry Allen

After #Logan, news came out that the iconic actor #HughJackman would be dropping the role. Yes, the role that he has played for nine films will be given to someone else. I couldn't believe it myself. Ever since the iconic X-Men character has appeared in #XMen (2000), the immediate image of Wolverine became Hugh Jackman.

Since then, Jackman has carried the character for more than a decade as the #Wolverine. Now comes the question: Why would he drop it? Searching for the reasons, the answer shocked me. Though after thinking about it, it really does make sense. Here are two:

It was time

Food

The first reason seems very understandable. Jackman has portrayed the same character in this franchise for so long. He's been Wolverine longer than Leonard Nimoy played Spock. When the time comes, it seems fair to let go of something that has been explored for so long. Jackman definitely gave his character the most gracious exit from #BryanSinger's X-Men.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' [Credit: Fox]

The second reason isn't as shocking as it seems. Jackman has maintained this killer shape for 17 years now; he's got to be craving some junk food. At the premiere of his documentary, Dukale's Dream, Jackman made a comment to ET about the dietary struggle:

"It was a gut feeling. I don’t know how many more egg white omelettes I can eat."

No one can blame him. It may be even fair to say that Jackman is the most built of the rest of the X-Mencast, and this guy is 48 years old.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. 'The Wolverine' [Credit: Fox]

Jackman doesn't even look too different compared to the first appearance of Wolverine in X-Men. In fact, he looks even better now compared to the first film. Nonetheless, everything has its end, especially a hardcore egg-white diet.

Hugh Jackman in 'X-Men' (2000) [Credit: Fox]

Jackman confesses his feelings towards the character during his appearance on the Dr. Oz Show, saying:

"It just felt like it was the right time to do it. And let’s be honest, 17 years. I never thought in a million years it would last, so I’m so grateful to the fans for the opportunity of playing it. … I kind of have in my head what we’re going to do in this last one. It just feels like this is the perfect way to go out."

I cannot agree more with that. This movie has undeniably raised the bar for comic-adapted films. For those who haven't seen the ending of Logan, brace yourself for a spectacular ending to an incredible character.

Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen in 'Logan' [Credit: Fox]

It is also known that this will not be the final appearance of the character, since #XMenApocalypse ended in 1980s and Logan is set in 2029. This means there is still a chance that Wolverine will appear in the following X-Menfilms, though Logan marks the ending of this cinematic comic character in Bryan Singer's X-Men. Not to fear! Here are Wolverine's best moments throughout the cinematic ages:

There are rumors that Hugh Jackman will also be assisting the recast of whomever will portray #Wolverine. This is helpful since Jackman has a personal tie to the character after playing him for the last 17 years!